Description

Built in a traditional Devon style, Pool Cottage is modern family home which meets all the criteria for that memorable holiday break in a superb waterside setting with plenty of space and comfort. Here you can enjoy refreshments at The River Shack, a few steps from the cottage, feed the ducks and swans, watch the children crabbing, walk out to the point where the creek meets the river Dart, or just sit and enjoy the tranquil views from the balcony. The cottage is on the edge of the Stoke Gabriel Mill pool and has superb uninterrupted views across the water from the spacious, reverse level living room and the double bedroom downstairs.

This unspoilt thriving village nestles on a creek on the edge of the River Dart and enjoys a beautiful tree fringed Mill pool, now a source of much enjoyment for all from kayaking, crabbing, pottering around in boats, to peaceful riverbank walks. The quay opens out to the wide stretches of the River Dart, so bring your boat, launch from the slipway (Dart Harbour Authority Licence required) and explore the dreamy waters of the Dart estuary, a haven for boat enthusiasts. Not much further afield are the South Hams’ secluded beaches and coves to discover, or the wild expanses of Dartmoor to roam. This is South Devon at its best.

Please note: this property offers a discounted price for a smaller party in the low and mid season.

Hallway with coat hooks. Polished wooden stairs rise to the very spacious living room that encompasses the whole of the first floor area of the house with triple aspect windows and sliding doors that open to the balcony overlooking the Mill pool. The sitting area has two sofas, chairs, a log burner effect gas stove, large flat screen TV with DVD and Freeview and BT Sport, radio/CD player, some DVDs and games. A large dining table which can accommodate up to 8 guests divides the sitting area from the newly fitted kitchen. This is well equipped, has fitted shaker style units, gas hob, electric oven, microwave, dishwasher and integrated fridge freezer. An adjacent utility room houses a washing machine, tumble dryer, airing rack and boiler.Ground floor bedrooms: Double bedroom with 5ft bed, Mill pool views and an en-suite shower room with cubicle, basin, WC and ladder towel rail. Twin bedroom with 3ft beds (can be pushed together) and fitted wardrobe. Bedroom 3 with two 2ft 6in fold down bunk beds, a further single 2ft 6in bed with same size pullout beneath and fitted wardrobe. There is limited space if all the 4 beds are used, therefore only suitable for children, but the room will comfortably sleep 2 adults upon the smaller sized single beds. Family bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, WC and ladder towel rail.

The balcony extending from the living room has table, chairs and very fine views across the Mill pool which is home to egrets, cormorants, herons and several varieties of geese as well as mallards, gulls and swans. There is a pleasant sunny garden with lawn which surrounds two sides of the cottage. It is gated and enclosed with low stone walls and provides a perfect spot for relaxing or for letting the little ones play. The garden overlooks the village green area alongside the Mill Pool (at busy times this is used for overflow car parking). There is storage space for a small dinghy or kayaks (not secure) in the garden.

Lovely, unusual property in a beautiful location.
Extremely well equipped.
Stoke Gabriel is a lovely village, and close to many other South Devon attractions.
Highly recommended ??????????

May 2017

We always enjoy staying here. The setting is perfect and the people are very friendly. The lady who looks after the property lives nearby and is always on hand if needed, but its never needed, but its good to know she is there, just in case!

November 2015

There were so many extras in this cottage which really added to the holiday -maps, torch, tea, coffee, jam. An excellent property in a perfect location!

August 2015

Overall, very impressed with the whole Toad Hall Cottage experience. The booking administration was a painless process and was enhanced by the feeling that you have a very personalised service from your assigned agent. But the real gem of course has to be the property itself; Pool Cottage in Stoke Gabriel. Situated in a simply stunning location at the water's edge it can't fail to impress. The balcony is perfect for observing the abundant wildlife or simply watching the world go by. This, coupled with a very high standard of furnishing and fittings, assures a high end holiday experience.
Well done Toad Hall Cottages. Thanks for the memories.

July 2015

Another wonderful stay. Excellent sailing and kayaking. Great times with the locals too! Home from home. Excellent snoozes in the very comfortable cloud like bed.

July 2015

We came here for a nice break with our son and his family and we certainly had a very nice break. The elder of the 2 youngsters really had a great time crabbing. The beds are very comfortable and we all slept well. Would recommend a visit to 'Coleton Fishacre'. Then back to the house to enjoy the view and more crabbing!

Emma's
(Less than a mile)

A homely eatery serving consistently good food including all day breakfasts, sandwiches, cream teas, coffees and delicious local meat, fish and seafood dishes. Children welcome with smaller portions available, unlicensed but diners are welcome to bring a bottle.

The River Shack
(Less than a mile)

A light and bright café in a beautiful location overlooking the estuary. While the kids go crabbing you can sit and enjoy the views with lunch or a snack, accompanied perhaps by a locally brewed beer or Stoke Gabriel village Yarde cider.

Fantastic setting, with a lovely terrace... ideal for sitting out on a sunny day and having a coffee or glass of wine. We tried eating there in the evening and found the food rather disappointing, so wouldn't recommend it for food.

The Red Lion Inn
(2 miles)

A traditional pub in the heart of the village. Real Ales from Dorset and from the more local Dartmoor Brewery are available all year round, with additional guest ales in the summer months. Locally, seasonally sourced food is served where possible.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Has the advantage of an outside eating/drinking area. Reasonably well stocked shop/Post Office. Thoroughly recommend.

May 2017

Brilliant pub - has everything you could need in the shop, great little cafe and wonderful restaurant. Great for kids too.

June 2017

Down to earth hub of the village
Service always with a smile
Don't expect luxury but it is amazing as not only a decent pub but post office and shop ad well
As long as the pub is open it seems the shop is as well and it sells everything from newspapers & fresh croissants to cooked meats and household items

June 2017

Dittisham Boats
(2 miles)

If you like messing about in boats Dittisham Boats have lots to choose from. Operating from the pontoon by the Ferry Boat Inn in Dittisham they offer a range of easy to operate motor boats and sailing boats as well as kayaks and paddleboards. Whether you venture upriver to Totnes or downriver to Dartmouth, this is a particularly beautiful stretch of the River Dart and a day out on the water will be a highlight of your holiday.

Canoe Adventures
(2 miles)

Giving you the opportunity to take canoeing to the next level with guided tours in long canoes along the beautiful River Dart, Canoe Adventures offer a variety of options and opportunities to really make the experience your own with canoe share for families, riverside picnics, ice cream, wildlife, history and fire craft to be enjoyed. You can join a tour or opt for private hire with visits to the popular Sharpham Vineyard for family celebrations, hen parties, stag dos, school trips and corporate outings. Prices start at £24 per seat for an adult or from £192 for a private five-hour outing in a 10-seater canoe. Keep an eye on the website for scheduled trips including the Dart by Moonlight which is a complete cracker!

Greenway House
(3 miles)

A National Trust property and former holiday home of Agatha Christie, Greenway House gives an extraordinary glimpse into the life and sanctuary of one of the UK’s best loved authors. Set in the 1950s when Agatha and her family spent summers there, the house sits with riverside views over the Dart estuary and is surrounded by magical gardens and woodland. The inspiration for much of her writing, the house is also brimming with interesting artefacts, archaeological finds, botanical china and books to give a glimpse through the eyes of a spectacular creative mind, before heading into the café for a spot of lunch and a good cup of tea.

Paignton Zoo
(3 miles)

A wonderful day out for the whole family, Paignton Zoo is not only a lovely attraction to visit, but it’s also a conservation and education charity. Founded in 1923, it is part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust which also owns Living Coasts in Torquay, Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, Primley Park and Clennon Gorge in Paignton, and Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. Attractions here start with the animals themselves, of course, with more than 2000 in residence over 80 acres. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas for children, picnic areas, a discovery centre brimming with bugs and herbs and sensory experiences, a Jungle Express train giving you a peek into the tiger and lion enclosures, a nature trail and a number of seasonal talks and events. There are restaurants on site, a variety of ticket options available and the zoo is open every day other than Christmas Day from 10am, with seasonal closing times.

Sharpham Vineyard and Cheese Dairy
(4 miles)

On a thousand-year-old farm of five hundred acres, Sharpham vineyard is one of England's foremost quality wine and cheese producers, and in the summer months they invite you to visit, explore, experience and learn about the production processes in this beautiful corner of South Devon near Totnes. Designed and built in 1770, the house itself overlooks fields and wooded slopes above the River Dart, making it the perfect setting to experience the best of South Devon produce. Both wines and cheeses boast award winning statuses so you can imagine the pleasure that comes from a tour, a Vineyard Ramble, a Trek and Taste visit or a complete Sharpham Experience lasting a decadent four hours exploring the estate.

Blackpool Sands
(8 miles)

Between Dartmouth and Slapton, Blackpool Sands is a beautiful shingle bay on the South West Coast Path, surrounded by evergreens and pine trees. It really is a treasure of a beach to visit while you’re in the area. Award-winning, the privately owned, blue flag beach boasts a sense of being in the Mediterranean on a good day in the summer, although a good jumper never goes amiss in this part of the world! You will no doubt not be surprised to hear that it is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, however it also boasts ample facilities and things to do. There are showers, toilets and disabled facilities, as well as paddle board, kayak and wetsuit hire available for those wishing to earn their visit to The Venus Beach Café, where light bites and refreshments are served. The Venus Shop also sells all the bits and pieces you might want for fun and games on the beach if you have forgotten them or are in need of extra buckets and spades. The water at Blackpool Sands is known for being clean and clear and tested by the Environment Agency, and lifeguards are on hand in the summer (July to September) so there’s every reason to pop in for a dip. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach in the high season (12th March to 30th October) so keep the walking for the cooler months. There is parking available at the beach with seasonal charges, and you can find out more information on those from the Blackpool Sands information line on 01803 771800. This beach is easy to get to and quite literally fun and games for the whole family, as well as a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year to take in the view!

Stunning beach, and you can get takeaway cream tea from the cafe to have on the beach!!

May 2017

Our family 's favourite beach

June 2017

The cost of the parking steep

June 2017

Perfect venue for a sunny day!
Secluded beach which is clean and tidy, with a cafe, snack bar and shop, beach equipment hire too

July 2017

Beautiful location but shame it a shingle beach and not sandy. Also very disappointed with the £8 fee to park the car .

August 2017

Beautiful clean beach with excellent facilities.Clean toilets lovely cafe and shop.Lifeguard on the beach.No dogs allowed.Plenty of parking.We enjoyed rock pooling at the far end of the beach.The owner does a great job.You can also visit Blackpool Sands garden but we did not have time.Also a juggler was there on the day we went great fun for everyone.

August 2017

Slapton Sands
(10 miles)

A long stretch of beach with spectacular views of the sea stretching into the distance, Slapton Sands is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and for good reason. Adjacent to Slapton Ley, a freshwater lake that’s home to an abundance of wildlife and one of the many reasons people come to visit the area, the beach has a history of welcoming families in the summer for long days in the sunshine, building sandcastles, surfing, windsurfing and kayaking. It’s amazing to believe that this peaceful corner of South Devon has its place in military history as in 1943 the beach was taken over by allied forces to use as a rehearsal area for the D-Day landings. However, live ammunition and poor visibility ended in the deaths of more than 700 servicemen, so today there is a stone monument in place for Operation Tiger, as it was called, as well as a Sherman Tank at nearby Torcross. On a more current note, there is a beachside café at Slapton Sands for teas, coffees and other light bites, and there are also toilets nearby. The beach has disabled access, and also allows dogs throughout the year, so it really is fun for everyone and very easy to get to. There is parking nearby and in the summer months from May to September there is lifeguard cover. Last, but not least, a small collection of pubs reside in Torcross for those who are feeling peckish after a long day in the fresh air, or if you have been for a nice walk along the sand!

Great place for a walk along the beach and had some great events for children at Easter. Great fish and chips in the pub at the end on Torcross

April 2017

Clapton Sands is beautiful. The rocks are the most beautiful colours, wild flowers abound on the beach, the views in either direction are stunning and it is rarely over crowded.One of the most wonderful areas in the U.K.

May 2017

Beautiful stretch of shingle beach - dogs allowed all year. Not many facilities - we went to the Strete end of the beach as there is a great little coffee hut there - great coffee and friendly staff.

September 2017

Beesands
(11 miles)

Close to Kingsbridge and a favourite amongst residents and holiday makers in the South West, Beesands is a wonderful mile-long shingle beach surrounded by fields and a freshwater lake.
You get a real flavour of the West Country here with fresh crab sandwiches for sale nearby and lots of Devon holiday cottages within walking distance to make it really convenient. The beach has won awards from the Marine Conservation Society as well as having The Blue Flag marker to attest to its excellence and high standards, so families and swimmers can be reassured.
The beach is popular for surfing and body boarding amongst other water sports including fishing, so tackle is on sale close by. You can pick up light bites at nearby cafes as and when you’re ready, making it easy to spend the whole day running around on the sand and enjoying your seaside holiday to the max.
Beesands is very much a beach for everyone thanks to its convenient location, easy and free road parking along most of the beach, level access, and the toilets, cafes and pubs close by. Dogs are also welcome on the beach throughout the year so the whole family can enjoy it!

North Hallsands
(12 miles)

A quiet beach of fine shingle with a reed bed providing the backdrop, North Hallsands is a picturesque place to visit for anyone staying in one of our holiday cottages in Devon. The beach is divided into north and south, and it’s about nine miles from Kingsbridge facing towards Start Bay.
There is level access to the sand from North Hallsands car park, although it is small so keep that in mind in busier months, although there’s also another small car park five minutes away for South Hallsands. You might want to note that there aren’t any facilities or toilets close to the beach, which does mean that it’s fantastically peaceful and an experience that’s all about the natural environment, which ultimately is what we all love about a Devon break!
For those bringing their four legged friends with them, the beach is completely dog friendly, welcoming them all year round, so just don’t get carried away with all that fun in the sand and get cut off by the tide in all the excitement. The sand stretches a fair distance at low tide and we wouldn’t want you to get wet!

Mattiscombe
(13 miles)

A sandy beach close to Start Point, Mattiscombe is one of those little sandy treasure troves that we all love to find – it’s quiet, peaceful, and without very much around to distract you from the abundant natural beauty.
Being a beautiful, secluded beach there aren’t any facilities or activities available here; it’s all about taking in your surroundings, perhaps doing a spot of rock pooling while you’re there, and walking the dog if you have one as they are welcome all year round.
The rock formations are interesting and the views are remarkable, so remember to take your sandwiches and really spend some time taking it all in. It isn’t the easiest beach to access as the slope and steps onto the sand are quite steep and parking is at Start Point around a 10-minute walk along the South West Coast Path, so bring some appropriate footwear for exploring!